Unilever, Superdrug and charity Beauty Banks have united in a campaign to raise awareness of hygiene poverty in the UK.  

Running from the 19th April to the 16th May, Unilever pledges to donate one Dove product to Beauty Banks for every two selected Dove products sold online or in-store at Superdrug, as a step towards tackling hygiene poverty and improving body confidence.  

Over 400 Superdrug stores in the UK will host Unilever’s first off-fixture display, advertising the campaign and encouraging shoppers to purchase two Dove products. Each unit will also feature a QR code to direct shoppers to the Beauty Banks website to provide more information about the charity and the work it does to raise awareness of hygiene poverty.  

The issue of hygiene poverty in the UK remains prevalent; according to Unilever approximately 20% of the UK population, 13.4 million people, lived in poverty in 2020/21. The cost of living crisis has since likely significantly exacerbated this figure. Many of those living in poverty often go without basic hygiene products including deodorant, body wash and toothpaste, which can damage self-esteem, negatively impacting their mental health and confidence. 

Beauty Banks provides personal care and hygiene products to people living in hygiene poverty in the UK in partnership with over 600 registered charities including youth centres, women’s refuges, retirement homes and homeless shelters. In 2022, Beauty Banks reported an 80% increase in demand for its services, highlighting the growing importance of this campaign.  

Jo Jones, Co-founder of Beauty Banks, says: “The partnership between Beauty Banks and Dove is truly special and exciting as we share common values and a mission to use beauty as a power for good. Dove's dedication to celebrating beauty in all its forms makes them a unique brand as they care for people's skin and overall well-being. It's a dream come true to work with a brand that shares our purpose for positively impacting people's lives whilst driving awareness of hygiene poverty and donations to our cause.”